S. Robert Foley
Vice President for Laboratory Management

Retired Admiral S. Robert Foley was appointed vice president for laboratory management in October 2003. As vice president, Foley, a longtime naval commander and consultant on energy and defense issues, has responsibility for UC’s management and oversight activities at three national laboratories (Lawrence Berkeley, Lawrence Livermore, and Los Alamos). The laboratories are major sources of scientific and technical strength for the country in fields ranging from national security to basic physics, biotechnology, climate studies, computer development, materials science, energy and the environment. The laboratories also contribute to the nation’s economic competitiveness through research partnerships with industry and engage in math and science education for students and teachers at all levels.

A 1950 U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Admiral Foley served in the Navy for 35 years and held several operational commands, including commander of the U.S. Seventh Fleet and commander-in-chief of the Pacific Fleet. In 1985, following his military career, Foley served as President Reagan’s assistant secretary of energy for defense programs, where he had responsibility for the nation’s nuclear weapons complex, including the UC-managed Los Alamos and Livermore laboratories as well as the country’s other nuclear weapons plants and facilities.

Foley has also served as chair of a series of advisory groups at Los Alamos National Laboratory, including the Program Management Review Panel and the Facilities Reutilization and Consolidation Committee. He chaired the Blue Ribbon Committee to Oversee Nuclear Pit Manufacturing and Certification, which provided National Nuclear Security Administration with a rigorous review of Los Alamos’ pit program activities and support functions.

In 1988, Foley was named president of the Advanced Technology Group at ICF Kaiser Engineers. In 1991, Foley joined the Raytheon Company, where he served as vice president for commercial marketing, president of Raytheon Japan, and vice president of Asian Operations for Raytheon International, Inc.

Following his retirement from Raytheon, Foley continued to serve the nation as a consultant to the defense and energy departments and as a member of President George W. Bush’s energy transition team.

Foley received his master’s degree in international affairs from George Washington University in 1968. He graduated from Naval War College in 1968 and was recognized as a Distinguished Graduate of the Air War College. He has received numerous honors and awards, including the French Legion of Honor, the Japan Order of the Rising Sun (First Class), the U.S. Navy Distinguished Service Medal, and the Secretary of Energy’s Gold Medal for Distinguished Service.